A SECOND Suffolk student has been selected to represent England Schools this season.

Hugh Cullum, who is a member of the Needham Market Academy, has been picked for the England Under-18 Schoolboys squad.

His selection follows on from Kaci-Jai, a student at St Joseph’s College in Ipswich, being selected for the English Schools’ FA Under-15 Schoolgirls’ squad.

Hugh, like Kac-Jai, had to undergo an extensive trial process, which culminated in him representing the South versus the North at Lilleshall on Sunday.

Needham Market Academy Director & Suffolk County Schools’ FA Chair, Robert Peace said: “We are all delighted for Hugh, this is a fantastic achievement and one he should be very proud of.

“Hugh has worked very hard during his time within the academy and taken the opportunities that have come his way. He has broken into the first team and now has the honour to represent his country.

“This is fantastic for Suffolk that we have representation at a national level.”

Hugh came on as a substitute in the closing stages of Needham Market’s historic 2-1 victory over Wealdstone in the Buildbase FA Trophy Third Round Proper on Saturday. It is the first time that the club have reached the last 32 of the national competition.

The England squad will compete in some friendly matches in the New Year, including a game against the RAF. They will then be involved in some preparatory training before their competitive fixtures at the end of the season in the prestigious Centenary Shield.